Final thoughts on Peter Mueller axing

Some of you are wondering if, just because the Avs didn’t tender a qualifying offer to Peter Mueller, maybe he’ll still re-sign with Colorado this coming season? Don’t bet on it. The word I’m hearing is the Avs-Mueller relationship is over, that they’ll wish him well in his new journeys and thank him for his service but that it’s time to move on.

We all know about his health issues here. Do I think the Avs simply got to the point where they were maybe a little drained from all the problems too, and just didn’t think the future seemed bright because of the possibility of recurring health issues? Well, they didn’t say that and probably won’t. But yeah, I think there’s probably something to that.
Keep in mind, too, that something seemed to go wrong between Mueller and the team by the end of the season. He suffered a torso injury later on, then came back, but often saw himself playing deep in the lineup without much ice time. He was a healthy scratch for at least one game that I recall too. Did the team think he didn’t work hard enough to get in shape, during and after his rehabs? Possible.

Recall that there were times Mueller simply looked gassed out there on shifts. He was given the benefit of the doubt because of the concussion problems, but after a while, well, it’s a business and all. At some point, it seemed like Mueller’s window of sympathy had gotten smaller – and it didn’t help that he only put up 16 points in 32 games. Maybe those aren’t all that bad numbers in today’s game really. But there were too many nights where not much was happening really.

There obviously is a new hole on the forward lines at left wing, but that could be filled in a couple of ways. First, the Avs could sign a nice new free agent. They certainly will have the cap room. Yes, Zach Parise figures to be available, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high on him. Hey, maybe that will Daterreversejinx it and he’s soon to be an Av. At this point, I don’t think anybody has a clue where he’s going. Don’t pay any attention to any stupid rumor sites that think they know. They don’t. I would say the Avs’ best hope to land a Parise is to play up the “Denver is a great place to live, is a young, building team and there are a couple of your buddies on the team” in Paul Stastny and Erik Johnson. But really, if you’re Parise do you choose the Avs over, say, Pittsburgh as is rumored to be heavily in the mix now to sign him, or Detroit or Los Angeles? Like I said, it’s going to be a tough sell getting him to come here.

As of now, the Avs’ top two left wings are Jamie McGinn and Gabriel Landeskog. But don’t forget about Matt Duchene. He’s played left wing a fair amount in the last year. I still really feel that he’s best at center, but if he plays there, does that mean Ryan O’Reilly is now a No. 3 center, with Landeskog and Steve Downie – the line that clicked so well together – playing only third-line minutes?

That’s a tough call. To me, I would think “wow, what a third line that would be, probably the best in the league.” Or, maybe Duchene is called the No. 3 center? I don’t think that would be the smart thing to do, but I’m just thinking out loud here.

To me, the most likely scenario is the Avs going out and getting a new forward or two on July 1. If it’s not a Parise, then who? Maybe Ray Whitney? Yeah, the guy’s old as dirt, but he keeps putting up big points doesn’t he? Why can’t he do it again? What about Dustin Penner? He’s a left wing, had a good playoff run. Stranger things have happened. Ryan Smyth will be available, though that won’t happen. Just sayin’. What about 28-year-old Jiri Hudler, who is leaving Detroit? He’s a left winger. That wouldn’t be a terrible move at all – and plus it would feel good sticking it to Detroit. Andrew Brunette will be available. But that won’t happen either. Daniel Winnik will be available again. Just sayin’.

And what about Alexander Semin? It doesn’t make sense enough at all to me that it just may actually happen. I just don’t AT ALL see him being a fit on a Joe Sacco-coached team that wants to be responsible defensively and doesn’t like floater-type forwards who don’t like to get their nose dirty. But I also know this team still has Pierre Lacroix near the top of the masthead, and I know Pierre likes star players and guys who can fill up the net and the occasional guy who is a “project” that can be a winner in Denver (the old Avalanche anyway, when he was the GM). So while I don’t think Semin will become an Av, I am not saying it can’t happen.

It’s too bad about Mueller. I thought he was a good kid and I always kind of rooted for him because of all those concussion problems. He’s got talent too. The Avs could wind up burned by this decision — and we’ve seen that before with letting free agents go (hello Tomas Fleischmann).

It’ll be interesting to see how the Avs fill his void.

Here is another take on Mueller’s exit, from David Driscoll-Carignan, whom I consider to be a highly intelligent Avs blogger – not to mention a resident of Keene, N.H., which is quite unbelievable considering I grew up partially there, went to college there and where my folks still live.

kinda scary, but u gotta admit this adds more excitement for the frenzy! sorry to see him go, best of luck to him, hes not gunna have problem finding a home. cant wait for the 1st, make us proud sherminator! goasgo!!!!!!!

Anonymous

Sad it’s ending this way, I really wanted Mueller to find his game again. I hope he goes on and regains what he had. Good luck to you. I think the Avs will end up regretting this move, just like with Fleischmann.

Steve B

You forgot to mention Alex Semin

pr99

I find it hard to believe we couldn’t even get like a 3rd for him in the draft if we were set on losing him

Andrew

Why would anybody give up anything for an injury plagued RFA?

pr99

A 3rd round pick I’m sure would be worth it for a team that wanted to take a flyer on a still young, former 1st rounder, who has potential to be a 20-30 goal scorer. Certainly a risk but a 3rd rounder or something like is not exactly a huge risk to give up.

Smell the Glove

GMs aren’t stupid. There are plenty of guys like Mueller that they can have for free after July 1st, including Mueller.

The NHL is full of young guys with big potential, Mueller is just the Avalanche’s contribution to that list of talented players who may or may not amount to something. Sherman is going to call up any GM in this league and say, “hey you gotta see this guy. He’s had some bumps along the way but I really think he’s 20 goal potential once he finds his way.” And any of those GMs will respond by saying, “That’s great, I have 2 on my NHL roster and another 20 in the minors.”

ppierre74

Good to have Wilson back but really bad to let again a talented forward that was plagued by injuries go. I don’t understand how they can do that. It’s always tough for anyone having injuries to get back into rythm in a sport that is so demanding. Why paying so much to resign a David Jones that had no real excuse not to perform up to what could be expected from him and let go a Mueller that finally had a full off-season to get back in great shape and prove the Avs he was worth their patience.
I hope this is an indication Avs will be a big player in free agency but I am worried about them letting go Mueller and Mc Clement.
And yes to a Dustin Penner finally healthy and coming of a good offseason or a PA Parenteau.

glh

Too bad about Mueller, he seems like a good kid and there is still potential. But there is still the downside as well. I think the Avs felt that the downside risk just wasn’t worth signing him again. But he easily could end up being another Fleischman.
Two thoughts on Parise: No and Way. He is not coming to Denver, much as I would like it. At this point I would be a little surprised if he doesn’t end up in Detroit (it hurts my soul to type that). Same thing for Ryan Suter. Ken Holland was quoted after the season as saying they were looking to add two impact free agents. And having lost thier two best defensemen they really need help on the blueline.

westhehes

I like Brad Boyes. RW but he seems to fit the type of player that management has been going for. Had a bad season last year but with some talent could help the team out. He is the best option for a lower budget impact player

Ramon

My guess is, the Avs will fill the void with a “homeless” third class winger. Its cheap and will save money for the Nuggets …

brock329

I like keeping Willy. Aside from a bit of post injury issues, he was the best D-man on the team and made some great plays. Very under-rated. Also keeping Jonesey is an excellent move. A great teammate and contributor. Maybe too many question marks for Mueller. A PA Parenteau would replace him very nicely. I don’t think Shermy is going to make any big splashes in the free agent pool. Don’t get your hopes up too much. If they do, hopefully will be smart enough to stay away from Semin and Penner.

Fols

With all of the talk on Parise…I wouldn’t mind it at all if the Avs went quickly for Semin and then you have the 1-2 punch you need.
Semin – Stastny – Jones
Landeskog – Duchene – ? Hedjuk
Ginner – O’Reilly – Downie

So here’s the problem. We are all sitting here thinking that Sherman is making moves now so he is set up to make a splash on July 1. I hope that’s the case, but the biggest fear is that the Avs try to fill in the gaps on the cheap (yet again). I have been willing to be patient, but this is the off season that lets us know whether or not the Avs are serious about winning. We will either see some nice moves by Sherman that set the Avs up for a few years to make noise in the playoffs or we will see extremely well crafted press releases explaining to us why so-and-so has tremendous upside and will be an asset to the team.

bgibeau2

I think Ramon has it right. I just looked over the draft size wise, there isn’t a player that can stay on their skates against the Kings. 6′ 188 was the largest forward/center… What will they ever be able to do against Kopitar, Nolan & Penner?
As for cutting Mueller, it probably needed to happen but I do wish him all the luck in the world. Getting out of this organization was a good start.
Still love my Av’s but not interested in train wrecks.

Kevin

Shane Doan.

Sirkiesel

What about Bobby Ryan? I think,he could match with the Avs.

Chantal

With the little chance not to say non-existent chance of signing a free agent… I’m afraid letting Mueller go is a bit risky. I liked Mueller a lot and I would have been curious to see what he might have done while being healthy a full year.

Cal144444

We need to get a new GM. they can’t let Peter go for nothing after trading wolski for him. I can see it now. He is gonna end up signing with another team and tear it up next year! New GM in Colorado! Please!

Flapjack

Yeah, especially since Wolski lit up the league after his trade and established himself as one of the best young talents in the game today.

I’m still disappointed about letting Mueller walk. I think the Avs should’ve committed more to him. If he can stay healthy, he’s a very, very talented offensive force on the ice.

I’d like to ask, Dater, that you not count Downie and McGinn until they are actually signed. I don’t want to get my hopes to high just yet. ;)

I’d really like seeing Bruno come back, but I’d be purely psyched out if we brought Smytty back. I loved him and never wanted us to let him go in the first place. Still, I very much doubt the Avs would go for him, and he seems to be more set on staying in Edmonton as it is.

Puck Me Up

First of all, Landeskog is not gonna be on anybody’s 3rd line unless we end up with some powerhouse wingers who can outshine him. And I highly doubt anyone on our current roster can or will be to keep up with that kid.

Second, I wouldn’t mind seeing a push for Semin and Stoll July 1st. Both of those guys would be tremendous additions with the current lineup. And I think since guys like Parise, Suter and Ryan will end up with bigger name teams, we don’t have much choice in looking at a couple of guys with less hype, but enough skill to blow the skates off the other teams around the league. However, if Sherman plans to stick with this rebuild from within model, than it’s gonna be a another mediocre season with very little to cheer for.

Puck Me Up

Oh yeah, one more thing…since the Avs felt compelled to sign McLeod to a new deal and he’s less offensively gifted than Mueller and JMac, than Sherman HAS to be thinking about bringing in someone else who can fill that offensive void he just created. If he’s not thinking along those lines, than he needs to hit the bricks.

Guillaume

Hrudler would fit.

Tim McCracken

Stastny and maybe O’Byrne or Hejda for Bobby Ryan? Think the Ducks might go for that?

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.

Chambers covers college and professional hockey for The Denver Post. He has written for the Post since 1994, after dumping his first 9-to-5 office job a couple years out of college. He primarily follows the University of Denver hockey team and helps cover the Avalanche.